So if our starters (some obvious, some just an opinion) are these guys, what areas in the draft (yeah, bpa aside) would you see us bolstering? I put in Bold the ones I think are "Locks" to start.
Offense:
QB: Flacco
WR1: Smith
WR2: Perriman
LT: Monroe (If KO isn't re-signed)
LG: Urschel
C: Zuttah
RG: Yanda
RT: Wagner
TE: Williams (think his talent will come out over Gilmore)
FB: Juice
RB: Forsett
Defense:
LDE: Jernigan
NT: Williams
RDE: Guy
LOLB: Suggs
LILB: Mosley
RILB: Orr?
ROLB: Dumervil
CB1: Smith
FS: Webb
SS: Hill
CB2: Davis
Let's start at LT. If we re-sign, KO he could slide in back home at LG or LT. I like the flexibility as we could still grab a top LT in this draft. If KO signs, I think Monroe gets cut.
At TE, I think we are fine even with Boyle's suspension. I don't see Pitta coming back. I see Williams talent pushing him in a starting role.
WR is a question mark. I don't think any of us (even coaches) know what they have with Perriman and a 37 year old Steve Smith. Aiken would be a nice security blanket signing.
Overall, Not TOO many areas to improve on on offense.
On defense,
Who do we bring up to help hanger the 3 down lineman? We can't rely on Urban. Is Guy, Just Another Guy? What kind of health are the reserves going to be in by training camp?
A healthy Suggs and Doom is great but they are aging. Pass rush is a huge need.
Are we fine with Orr going forward at Inside linebacker? I can see us getting a stop gap but maybe after cuts in pre-season.
Webb's salary is too much for him not to start, IMO. But ya never know!
Will Davis looked cut in BRIEF action before going down. Corner (as we know) will be a high priority.
But I will say we have a lot more answers than questions and There are some high quality CBs, LBs, EDGE rushers, LTs and Wideouts in the top 37 picks. Very excited to see who we bring in.
Free Agency:
To fill in some of these holes, I think with our cap restraints, are number 1 priority (which I cannot stress enough) is signing KO. That would be huge. You get either a Stud Guard locked up, or you get a LT. This can give us flexibility in the draft.
We don't have the money for a corner that is going to start on this team. We will have to build through draft IMO.
I think we can also get a 4th or 5th rounder to play near Williams because Williams is that kind of force. We can put a Dwan Edwards style rookie next to him.
Only other need that I can see us addressing in Free agency is Wide out. It won't be a star, but maybe someone that is 2nd or 3rd tier. Like a Jones, Benjamin, Sanu or more likely, Matthews. Do we want Aiken back, or do we want to try for one of these guys?
Looking at the available MILB, I too think that we will pass on any solid starter in Free agency, we may bring in some other guys to compete though.
So, Let's lock up KO and explore these WRs. Can't wait for the draft!